Milking machine



June 23, 1942. B? ANDERSQN 2,287,506

MILKING MACHINE Filed Dec. 10, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet l 5:212 ja 122 inflflndensan INVENTOR TTORNEY Jun 23, 1942. B ANDERSON 2 287506 MILKINGMACHINE Fiied Dec. 10, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 fiely'am in ff. AndersonINVENTOR TTORNEY MILKING MACHINE Fil led Dec. 10, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 3Fly-4- .Bery'amin M/Vndemon BY z m A TTORNE Y.

June 23, 1942. B, H ANDRsoN 2,287,506

MILKING MACHINE Filed Dec. 10, 1938- 4 Sheets-Shed 4' INVENTOR.Bfly'amin M-flnderson BY/27I7'ZM/ ATTORNE Y- Patented June 23, 1942MILKING MACHINE Benjamin H. Anderson, Madison, Wis., assignor to Ben. H.Anderson Manufacturing 00., Madison, Wis., a corporation of WisconsinApplication December 10, 1938, Serial No. 244,927

11 Claims.

This invention relates to milking machines, and more particularly toportable milking machines. It will be understood, however, that certainelements of the construction are equally adaptable to permanentlyinstalled mechanisms.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a milking machinewhich is simple in construction and easy to operate.

A further object of this invention is to provide a milking machine inwhich the members through which the milk flows may be cleaned readilyand thoroughly.

Another object of this invention is to provide a simple and effectivevalve member and valve or milk receiving chamber which may be removedeasily for cleaning purposes.

A further object of this invention is to provide simple means forretaining the valve member and valve or milk receiving chamber inoperable position and in the milk container cover which permits rapidand easy removal of the valve member and milk receiving or valve chamberfrom the cover.

A further object of this invention is to provide novel means forretaining the milk container cover in position on the milk containerduring operation of the milking machine.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel pivotal or swivelmounting for the milk conduits or the milk conduit supporting members.

Further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparentfrom the detailed description and claims and the accompanying drawings,wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a portable milking machineembodying my improvements.

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of a portable milking machineembodying my improvements.

Figs. 3, 5 and '7 are bottom views of valve members and associated valveor milk receiving chambers mounted in the milk container covers.

Figs. 4, 6 and 8 are sectional views of the members illustrated in Figs.3, 5 and 7, taken on lines 4 l. B6 and 88. respectively.

Fig. 9 is a top plan view of a milk container cover adapted for use inthe milking machine illustrated in Fig. 2.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view of the cover illustrated in Fig. 9. taken online Ill-Ill of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a top plan view of a milk container cover adapted for use inthe milking machine illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view of the cover illustrated in Fig. 11, takenon line IZ-IZ.

Fig. 13 is a side elevational view, at an enlarged scale, of a trapunit; and,

Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view of a swivel head.

Referring to the drawings, the milking machine comprises a frame Isupported on wheels 3 by means of axles 5. Pump cylinders I arepivotally suspended from crosshead 9 which is rigidly se cured to theupper ends of channel members I I. Piston rods I3 are driven by motor I5through a reduction gear I2, shaft I4 and cranks I6.

The milk container I'I, illustrated in Fig, 1, comprises a conventionaltype milk can or shipping can. Container I! is supportedon the milkingmachine b handle I8 which engages a hook 2| which is integral with orrigidly secured to a hook frame 23. Hook frame 23 is in turn rigidlysecured to channel members II and to frame I by means of bolts IS. Abumper 20 is rigidly secured to the lower end of hook frame 23 andpreferably is bent into an arc to conform to the contour of thecontainer IT. If desired, resilient or elastic members 22 may beprovided adjacent the extremities of the bumper.

A cover 25 is provided having a depending skirt or rim 2'! which fitsloosely over the open end of container II. Cover 25 is provided with apair of openings 29, see Fig. 11. The container is flared upwardly atthe openings 29 to provide upwardly extending rims 3 I. Valve chambers33 and the valve retaining rings are disposed in openings 29, beingsupported on rims 3I. Yoke 31 is provided to securely retain the valvechambers and valve retaining rings in openings 29 and to retain thechambers and retaining rings in assembled or operable position.

Valve chambers 33 communicate with pump cylinders I through flexibletubes 38, trap 34 and flexible tubes 32, only one trap and tube 32 beingillustrated in Fig. 1. Although it is unnecessary to employ a trapbetween the'valve chamber and pump, such a trap provides a simple andeiiicient means by which the dairyman may quickly detect a failure inthe apparatus with a consequent flow of milk into the pump. The trapcomprises a transparent teat cup 39, see Fig. 13, supported by means ofa head 28 which is rigidly or removably secured to channels I I. Thehead 28 is provided with a depending rod 26 which extends through theteat cup. The lower end of rod 26 is threaded and receives nut 24.Rubber or other washer members i 0 are disposed between the top edge ofthe teat cup and the head and the lower edge of the teat cup and nut 24to permit air tight connections to be maintained when the nut 24 istightened. The head is provided with two conduits 8 and adapted toreceive the tubes 35 and 32, respectively. Rod 25 may be independent ofhead 28, passing through the head and being threaded to a cooperatingnut at the top of the head.

I prefer to employ transparent teat cups as trap elements so that in theevent one of the teat cups used in milking becomes broken, the trap maybe disconnected and the cup removed from the trap and used in milking.This eliminates the necessity of the farmer maintaining spare cups foremergencies. The milking machine may be operated with equaleffectiveness by connecting tubes directly to the pumps 1.

The yoke 31 is trifurcated to provide two concavely curved arcuateportions 38 and 39 and three projecting portions 49, 4! and 42. Arcuateportions 38 and 3"? conform roughly to the contour of the valve chambers33 and the projecting portions partially encompass the valve chambers.The edge or marginal portions of yoke 3! are preferably turneddownwardly, as at 49, to strengthen and rigidify the yoke. The innerends of members 49 and 42 are provided with depending protuberances orlugs 43 and 44, respectively, while member 4| is provided withprotuberances or lugs 45 on both sides adjacent the extremity of member4! The lugs are adapted to bear upon shoulders on the valve chambers,whereby the chambers and valve retaining rings 35 are maintained inassembled relation within openings 29. The base of the yoke is providedwith a bearing or spacing member 41 which may be formed integral withbase 46, as by a stamping operation. An elongated slot 48 is providedbetween arcuate portions 38 and 39.

Bolt 50 is rigidly secured to cover 25. Coil spring 53 is preferablythreaded on bolt 59 and constantly urges yoke 31 upwardly. Yoke 3'! isplaced on cover 25, elongated slot 48 receiving bolt 59. Ring nut 5| isthreaded on the end of bolt 59 and provides means for securely clampingthe yoke on the shoulder of the valve chambers, bearing member 4'!maintaining the base of the yoke in substantially fixed relation fromthe cover. Upon loosening the ring nut, slot 48 permits the yoke to bedrawn forward sufficiently to allow the valve chambers and valveretaining rings to be lifted from openings 29.

A rod 52 is rigidly secured to hook frame 23 and extends upwardsubstantially vertical. A cover holding arm 54 is slidably mounted onrod 52. The bore of the aperture in the arm 54 is of such diameter as topermit the arm to be easily raised or lowered when held at substantiallyright angles to the axis of the rod, but is sufiiciently small indiameter to prevent the free movement of the arm. Since the center ofgravity of the arm is at some distance from rod 52, the downward pull ofgravity is adequate to create sufficient frictional force between therod and the edges and surfaces of the aperture to hold the rod in anyposition to which the arm may be raised or lowered.

The free end of arm 54 is preferably provided with a rubber snubber 55.The arm may be held in a right angle position with respect to rod 52 andmay be lowered and pressed into contact with cover 25. The snubber 55exerts adequate pressure upwardly to create sufiicient friction betweenthe rod and arm to maintain the arm in the desired position. If it isdesired to remove cover 25, the arm may again be placed in a right angleposition with respect to rod 52 by exerting a downward pressure on arm54 to compress the snubber, after which the arm may be raised.

I have found that it is not necessary to move arm 54 downwardly intocontact with cover 25 when the machine is in operation since thevibration of the apparatus will be suflicient to cause the arm to bemoved downwardly by gravity. It is also not necessary to force the arminto contact with cover 25 so as to compress the snubber. This means issimple yet very effective to prevent accidental displacement of thecover during operation and use of the milking machine.

Arm 5? is rigidly secured to crosshead 9 and extends forwardly. A swivelhead is mounted on the forward end of arm 51'. The swivel head comprisesa pair of disc holders 58 and 60 which are rotatably mounted on the arm.The disc holders are identical in construction, see Fig. 14, eachcomprisirr a cup-like body 53 having its wall flared outwardly slightlyat the open end to provide bearing surfaces 55. A centrally positionedjournal 6| is provided to receive bolt 59 which is threaded into arm 51.Bearings 63a and 55a are positioned to one side of journal 6|, and areprovided with openings 63 and 65, respectively. The disc holders areassembled with their open ends toward each other and with the surfaces55 in contact. Milk conduits or tubes 52 and 64 are slidably mounted inopenings 53 and 65, respectively.

The weight of the tubes creates sufficient friction between bearingsurfaces 55 of the disc holders to maintain the tubes in any desiredposition into which they may be swung.

The milk spigots or conduits 5'! of the valve chambers 33 communicatewith milk conduits or tubes 62 and 54 by means of flexible tubes 12 andI4, respectively. Hooks 55 are mounted on tubes 62 and 64 adjacent thefree ends of the tubes. A flexible tube 58 connects the free ends of themilk conduits with the milk claws 15 which in turn communicate with aplurality of teat cups 13 by means of short lengths of flexible tubingll.

It is apparent that in the above described construction the milk fromtwo cows is delivered into a single receiving container. If it isdesired to deliver the milk from each cow into a separate container, forexample, when it is desired to weigh and test the milk from each cow, Iprefer to employ the apparatus illustrated in Figs. 2, 9 and 10.

The milking machine illustrated in Fig. 2 comprises the same type offrame, pumps and motors as those in the milking machine illustrated inFig. 1. Platforms 89 and 82 are mounted on longitudinal bars 19 whichare supported by axles 5. Bars 79 also serve as a support for reductiongear set [2. Each platform serves as a support for an individual milkreceiving container or cream can 8! and 83, respectively, Each can isfitted with a cover 84 having an opening 86. The opening 86 is definedby an upwardly projecting rim 88. Valve chamber 99 and valve retainingring 92 are mounted within opening being supported on rim 88.

Yoke 94 is mounted on bolt 95 which is rigidly secured to cover 84. Yoke94 is bifurcated to provide a concavely curved arcuate portion 98 whichroughly conforms to the contour of the valve chamber. The marginalportions of the yoke are preferably turned downwardly as at N39, tostrengthen and rigidify the yoke. The inner extremities of the dependingmarginal portion are enlarged to provide lugs I02 which engage theshoulders on the valve chamber. The base portion I04 of the yoke 94 isprovided with a spacing member I06. The base portion is also providedwith an elongated slot I01 adapted to receive bolt 96. A coil spring I05may encompass bolt 96 to constantly urge yoke 04 upwardly. Ring nut I08is threaded on the end of bolt 96 and provides means for securelyclamping the yoke over the shoulders of the valve chambers and therebymaintain the valve chamber and valve retaining ring in assembled oroperative position within opening 85. Upon loosening ring nut I98, slotI01 permits yoke 94 to be drawn forward sufficiently to allow the valvechamber and valve retaining ring to be lifted and removed from thecover.

The construction of the cover 83 and the associated valve chamber I00,valve retaining ring and yoke III are similar to that of the cover 84and its associated elements. However, cover I03 is provided with aspacing member H2. Yoke I I I, therefore, is not provided with a spacingmember. I

A pair of spaced rods H4 extend upward substantially vertically fromhook frame 23. Cover holding arms H6 are slidably mounted on rods IE4.The construction, function and operation of the cover holding arms I I6are similar to those of the cover holding arm 54 described in connectionwith Fig. 1.

A pair of disc holders I I8 and I are rotatably mounted on crosshead 9to form a swivel head. The construction and operation of the swivel headis similar to that described hereinbefore. Rods I22 and I24 are slidablymounted in disc holders H8 and I20, respectively. Rods I22 and I24 maybe moved into any desired position. The friction created between thebearing surfaces of holders H8 and I20 is suflicient to maintain therods in any desired position. Hooks I26 are secured to the free ends ofrods I22 and I24.

The valve chambers communicate directly with pumps I by means offlexible tubing I2I. The milk spigots or conduits I23 of the valvechambers communicate with the milk claws I28 by means of flexible tubingI30. The tubing I30 is supported by means of the hooks I26 which alsoserve to support the milk claws when not in use. The milk claws in turncommunicate with a plurality of teat cups I29 by means of short lengthsof flexible tubing I21.

In Figs. 3 to 8, inclusive, I have illustrated in detail theconstruction of valve chambers, valves and valve retaining rings.

The valve retaining ring illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 comprises atubular sleeve I having a reduced portion I4I forming an exteriorshoulder I42 and an internal ledge I43. The reduced portion MI isadapted to be positioned within opening I44 in can cover I45, shoulderI42 being disposed on rim I46. A spider I41 is provided with cut-outportions I48 and with a centrall positioned aperture I49. The spider ispreferably formed by a stamping operation and its center portion israised, as at I50. A valve plate I5I having a depending guide pin I52 isdisposed on spider I41, the aperture I49 receiving guide pin I52. Theguide pin and aperture maintain valve plate I5I in centered position atall times. In forming the aperture I49 and the raised portion I50, Iprefer to draw the metal to provide a bearing surface for pin I52 whichis longer than the normal thickness of the spider.

Valve chamber I53 is cylindrical and is provided with an enlarged baseI54 which forms a shoulder I55. The enlarged base fits loosely withinsleeve I40, being disposed on spider I41. The valve retaining ring andthe valve chamber are maintained in assembled or operable relation andthe valve retaining ring is maintained in aperture I44 by means of ayoke I56. The yoke is similar in construction to that describedhereinbefore, the lugs I51 bearing upon the shoulder I 55 of the valvechamber. In the assembled position of the valve retaining ring and valvechamber, spider I41 is held securely between ledge I43 and the lower endof the valve chamber. The lower end of the inner wall of valve chamberis ground to form a valve seat I58.

Air spigot I communicates with the interior of the valve chamber andwith the vacuum source, such as the pumps 1, illustrated in Figs. 1 and2. Milk spigot I6I communicates with the interior of the valve chamberand with the teat cups through suitable tubing.

In operation, on the application of vacuum to spigot I60 or on thesuction stroke of the pump, the clearance between valve plate I5I andvalve seat I58 is sufiiciently small to permit the valve to be closed bythe atmospheric pressure. On closing of the valve, milk is drawn throughthe teat cups, associated tubing, milk spigot I6I and flows into valvechamber I53. On the return stroke of the pump or the breaking of thevacuum, valve plate I5I falls to the spider I 41 and the milk flows fromthe valve chamber through cutouts I48 into the milk receiving container.

The valve retaining ring and valve chamber may be readily removed fromthe can cover by loosening the ring nut, see Figs. 9 to 12, whichmaintains the yoke I 56 in contact with shoulder I55. Yoke I55 is thenwithdrawn, as described hereinbefore. The chamber may then be liftedfrom the retaining ring and the retaining ring may be lifted fromopening I44. The valve plate and spider may be removed from the valveretaining ring. The complete and simple disassembling of the elementspermits each element to be properly and thoroughly cleaned.

The valve retaining ring illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6 comprises a sleeveI having an outwardly projecting flange I56. The sleeve is adapted to bepositioned in opening I44 in cover I45, the outwardly projecting flangeI65 being disposed on the upwardly extending rim I46 of cover I45.Sleeve I65 is provided with an internal ledge I61 and a cross bar I68.The cross bar is formed with a raised central section I09 having anaperture I19 located centrally with respect to the sleeve. Valve plateI5I is positioned on the cross bar, aperture I10 receiving guide pin I52to insure centering of the valve plate at all times. The enlarged baseI54 of valve chamber I53 fits loosely within sleeve I65 and ispositioned on ledge I61. The valve retaining ring and valve chamber I53are maintained in assembled relation and the valve retaining ring ismaintained in aperture I44 by means of yoke I56, lugs I51 bearing uponshoulder I55 of the valve chamber.

The air spigot I60 communicates with the interior of chamber I53 andwith the vacuum pumps. Milk spigot I6I communicates with the interior ofthe valve chamber and with the teat cups. The operation of the valve,removal and disassembling of the elements is similar to that describedin connection with the construction illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4.

The valve retaining ring illustrated in Figs. '7

and 8 may be formed by a stamping operation. Sleeve IE9 is drawn with anoutwardly flared rim Ill. The sleeve is adapted to be positioned withinopening I44 in cover I45, the flange I'II being disposed on upwardlyprojecting rim I48. he sleeve is formed with an integral cross memberI72. The center portion of the cross member is preferably raised, as atH3. The center portion of the cross member is provided with an apertureI14 which is centered with respect to the sleeve. Valve plate I5I ispositioned on cross member I12, the aperture I'I I receiving guide pinI52 whereby the valve plate is centered. In forming the aperture I14 andthe raised portion Il3, the metal is drawn to provide a bearing surfacefor pin I52 which is longer than the normal thickness of the crossmember.

Valve chamber I15 is provided with an outwardly projecting flange I16adjacent its base. The base portion of the valve chamber is adapted tobe positioned within sleeve III), the lower surface of flange I'I6contacting flange III of the sleeve. The lower end of the inner wall ofthe valve chamber is ground to form a valve seat Ill. The valveretaining ring and the valve chamber are maintained in assembledrelation and the valve retaining ring is maintained in opening I44 bymeans of yoke I56. The lugs I5'I of the yoke bear upon the upper surfaceof the flange I15 which forms a shoulder I18.

The air spigot I19 communicates with the interior oi the valve chamberI15 and with the vacuum pumps. Milk spigot I80 communicates with theinterior of the chamber and with the teat cups. The operation of thevalve, removal and disassembling of the elements are similar to thatdescribed in connection with the construction illustrated in Figs. 3 and4.

Although I have illustrated a particular form of milking machine, it isapparent that various elements may be embodied in other forms ofmachines and apparatus without departing from the spirit of myinvention.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description is merelyillustrative of my invention and that various modifications may be madeWithout departing from the scope of my invention. For example, I haveillustrated the valve plate I5! as being dome-shape and drawn or formedfrom sheet material and the guide pin I52 as being secured to the valveplate by riveting. It is apparent that the guide pin may be secured tothe valve plate by screw means with equivalent effectiveness, or thatthe valve plate may be cast and the guide pin cast integral with theplate. Other modifications will present themselves to those skilled inthe art.

I claim:

1. In a device of the class described, in combination, a valve retainingring, a valve plate positioned in said retaining ring, means assowithsaid retaining ring adapted to support said valve plate in openposition, and a aive chamber mounted loosely on said retaining ring, thebase portion of said valve chamber ii ting loosely within said retainingring.

2. In a device of the class described, in combination, a valve retainingring, a dome-shaped valve plate positioned in said retaining ring, meansassociated with said retaining ring to support said valve plate, and avalve chamber, the inner wall of which forms a valve seat, mountedloosely on said retaining ring, the base portion of said valve chamberfitting loosely Within said retaining ring.

3. In a device of the class described, in combination, a valve retainingring having an internal ledge, a spider disposed on said ledge, saidspider having a centrally positioned aperture therein, a valve platedisposed on said spider, a depending centrally positioned guide pin onsaid valve plate, said guide pin registering with said aperture, and avalve chamber mounted loosely on said retaining ring, the base portionof said valve chamber fitting loosely within said retaining ring.

4. In a device of the class described, in combination, a valve retainingring having an internal ledge, a plate disposed on said ledge, saidplate having a centrally positioned aperture therein and having marginalcut-out portions, a dome-shaped valve plate disposed on said plate, adepending centrally positioned guide pin on said valve plate, said guidepin projecting through said aperture, and a valve chamber having aninternal valve seat mounted loosely on said retaining ring, the baseportion of said valve chamber fitting loosely within said retainingring.

5. In a device of the class described, in combination, a valve retainingring, a cross bar in said retaining ring, said cross bar having acentrally positioned aperture therein, a valve plate disposed on saidcross bar, a depending guide pin on said valve plate, said guide pinregisterng with said aperture, and a valve chamber mounted loosely onsaid retaining ring, the base portion of said valve chamber fittingloosely within said ring.

6. In a device of the class described, in combination, a valve retainingring having an internal ledge, a cross bar in said retaining ring, saidcross bar having a centrally positioned aperture therein, a dome-shapedvalve plate disposed on said cross bar, a depending guide pin on saidvalve plate, said guide pin registering with said aperture, and a valvechamber disposed on said ledge, the base portion of said valve chamberfitting loosely within said retaining ring.

'7. In a device of the class described, in combination, a valveretaining ring having an integral cross bar therein, said cross barhaving a raised portion and a centrally positioned aperture therein, adome-shaped valve plate disposed on said cross bar, a depending guide pon said valve plate, said guide pin registering with said aperture, anda valve chamber having an internal valve seat therein mounted loosely onsaid retaining ring, the base portion of said valve chamber fittingloosely Within said retaining ring.

8. In a milking machine, a milk receiving container, a cover for saidcontainer, said cover having at least one opening therein, a valveretaining ring mounted loosely in said opening, a valve plate mounted insaid retaining ring, a valve chamber having an internal valve seattherein mounted loosely on said retaining ring, the base portion of saidvalve chamber fitting loosely within said retaining ring, and a yokeremovably mounted on said cover and adapted to maintain said valvechamber on said retaining ring and to maintain said valve retaining ringin said opening.

9. In a milking machine, a, milk receiving container, a cover for saidcontainer, said cover having at least one opening therein, a valveretaining ring, having an external flange, supported loosely in saidopening by said flange, a valve plate in said retaining ring, a valvechamber having an internal valve seat therein mounted loosely on saidretaining ring, the base portion of said valve chamber fitting looselywithin said retaining ring, said valve chamber having an externalshoulder adjacent the base portion of said valve chamber, a yokeremovably mounted on said cover, the projecting portions of said yokebearing upon said shoulder on said valve chamber and adapted to maintainsaid valve chamber on said retaining ring and to maintain said retainingring in said opening.

10. In a milking machine, a milk receiving container, a cover for saidcontainer, said cover having at least one opening "therein, a valveretaining ring, having an outwardly projecting flange, supported looselyin said opening by said flange, a cross bar having a centrallypositioned aperture therein in said retaining ring, a domeshaped valveplate disposed on said cross bar, a depending guide pin on said valveplate registering with said aperture, a valve chamber having an internalvalve seat therein mounted loosely on said retaining ring, the baseportion of said valve chamber fitting loosely in said retaining ring, anexternal shoulder on said valve chamber adjacent the base portionthereof, and a yoke removably mounted on said cover, said yoke having anarcuate portion adapted to partially encompass said valve chamber, theprojecting portions of said yoke bearing upon said shoulder on saidValve chamber and adapted to maintain said valve chamber on saidretaining ring and to maintain said retaining ring in said opening.

11. In a milking machine, a milk receiving container, a cover for saidcontainer, said cover having two openings therein, a valve retainingring mounted loosely in each of said openings, a valve plate in each ofsaid retaining rings, a valve chamber mounted loosely on each of saidretaining rings, the base portion of said valve chambers fitting looselywithin said retaining rings, an external shoulder on said valve chambersadjacent the base portion thereof, a trilurcated yoke removably mountedon said cover, said yoke having two arcuate portions adapted topartially encompass said valve chambers, the projecting portions of saidyoke bearing upon said shoulders on said valve chambers and adapted tomaintain said valve chambers on said retaining rings and to maintainsaid retaining rings in said openings.

BENJAMIN H. ANDERSON.

